Mayor Johnson Well-Positioned For Bright Political Future

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – With the king-sized comeback now complete, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson’s career is now in the spotlight. And at least one political strategist says he’s primed for a high-profile future.

You could crown Kevin Johnson in Sacramento city hall this week.

“Signed sealed and delivered,” said Johnson at a press conference about the Sacramento Kings staying put.

As the new Kings owner, Vivek Ranadivé, put it, “None of this would have been possible without the best mayor in America.”

The mayor is riding high following his success at keeping the Kings.

“We’ve been a part of something that’s remarkable,” said Johnson. “The country and the nation is watching.”

“Well, I definitely think that he wants to run for higher office. I don’t think there’s any question about that,” said political strategist Doug Elmets.

Sacramento’s Kings win is now propelling talk about Johnson’s political future. Political strategist Doug Elmets believes Johnson could seek one of California’s highest offices.

“So I think that the logical next step is a position like governor or the United States senate,” said Elmets.

Johnson is now readily armed for a high-stakes campaign with connections and cash.

“He certainly has a lot of energy. And he’s now put together this statewide network of fundraisers, who just happen to own the Kings,” said Elmets.

Johnson is also married to Michelle Rhee, former chancellor of the Washington DC public school system.

“Kevin Johnson and Michelle Rhee are a power couple — not only here in California, but certainly nationally,” said Elmets. “I think that gives some additional speculation to people who are thinking about the next step for Kevin Johnson.”

Kevin Johnson is Sacramento’s mayor, for now.

Johnson is only in the first year of his second term as mayor. The term ends in 2016, the same year the Kings’ new arena in scheduled to be complete.

Here’s what’s coming up next in the Kings

Kings season tickets go on sale next Tuesday at 9 a.m. On Wednesday afternoon, there will be a community rally at Cesar Chavez Park. The new downtown arena is expected to open in October 2016.

Steve anchors the news on CBS13 on the weekends and reports during the week.
He has also worked as a morning anchor/weathercaster at KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, sports director at KVIQ-TV in Eureka, and videographer at KEYT-TV in Santa...